2025's Most Underrated Towns In North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the most diverse places in the United States. With its coastal plains, full of estuaries and riverlands, to its rugged western mountains, it surely stands out visually, not to mention the sheer amount of cultural and historic offerings spread througout all of its corners you can appreciate as well.
Although we still recommend you visit the state's main population centers, like Charlotte and Raleigh (especially if you've never been), this article is aimed at offering you some different, less crowded options to enjoy in 2025. From top-rated parks to historic landmarks and more, journey with us across the Tar Heel State as we uncover these underrated gems for you to explore this year!
Hertford
Hertford, a historic town on the Perquimans River, is often overlooked in favor of other, larger destinations near the Atlantic Coast. With this in mind, it may be the perfect spot for someone looking for something off the beaten path and a little more on the quiet side.
Start your visit with a stroll along the waterfront, where some great views of the picturesque Hertford Bay Marina can be had. For those interested in Hertford's history, be sure to walk over to the nearby Newbold-White House. Built in 173, this longstanding structure is North Carolina’s oldest brick home, and one of many landmarks dating back from the colonial to the Victorian era that can be found in the area.
Dining options are limited but rewarding in Hartford, with local favorites such as Woodard’s Pharmacy serving simple, yet classic snacks and ice cream. Captain Bob's BBQ & Seafood is another must-visit, mixing the famous Carolina-style barbeque with other dishes made from locally caught seafood, adding up to a truly mouthwatering and unpretentious dining experience.
Explore the natural side of this gorgeous coastal region as well, whether paddling along the Perquimans River or hiking within the Perquimans County Recreation Center, a lesser-known spot with shaded trails and tons of local wildlife in North Carolina's ecologically significant coastal lowlands.
Littleton
Located near the southwestern edge of Lake Gaston, Littletone is a small town with direct access to one of North Carolina’s top boating and fishing destinations. Here, you can launch your own craft or rent one at Morningstar Marina, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore the beauty of this area at hiking trails in nearby Medoc Mountain State Park, just a short drive south.
Don't skip downtown Littleton either, as it has seen a resurgence in recent years, with local businesses revitalizing its historic main street. Pay a visit to local joints like Blue Jay Bistro, which serves upscale Southern cuisine, while Daphne’s Coffee Shop provides a more casual stop for breakfast or lunch.
Museum lovers will appreciate Littelton's eclectic collection of attractions that can also all be found downtown. For one, the Roanoke Valley Veterans Museum, situated right in the heart of town, contains an impressive collection of military memorabilia and exhibits in remembrance of local veterans. On the other hand, just down the street is The Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum, a favorite among those who love the strange and mysterious side of life.
History buffs can also see the Person’s Ordinary site, a colonial-era inn that once served travelers along the Great Wagon Road, a route that once connected indigenous tribes, and later American settlers, from Pennsylvania to Georgia.
Southport
Southport rests where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic. With easy access to beaches, wonderful barrier islands sitting nearby, and a compact yet unique dowtown core, it is a charming little town for a weekend escape in 2025.
Southport's waterfront provides access to the Bald Head Island Lighthouse, while the nearby Southport Pier is a popular fishing and sightseeing spot. Furthermore, downtown Southport features a collection of historic buildings, including the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which gives you a window into the region’s longstanding connection to seafaring and the fishing industry. Be sure to also take the short ferry ride to nearby Fort Fisher, a Civil War-era fortification with oceanfront trails and exhibits.
The Old Brunswick County Jail, dating back to 1904, shows another side of life in this historic community and offers a small but interesting site that operated as the local jail for over 70 years.
Like many oceanside towns in North Carolina, fresh seafood is easy to find in Southport, too. Grab a bite at the Fishy Fishy Café, serving local catches with incredible dining room views right beside the marina. When you're done with your meal, you can then browse spots like The Christmas House, a year-round holiday shop, and Northrop Antiques Mall for collectibles and other potential finds on sale.
Elkin
Deep in the state's western interior, Elkin is conveniently positioned in the Yadkin Valley wine region, a top destination for vineyard tours and outdoor recreation, among many other fun and interesting attractions.
In terms of the area's famous wineries, there are a plethora of nearby stops, including Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery and Elkin Creek Vineyard, both offering tastings in the lush rolling hills of Elkin's countryside. For accommodations, you can stay in various boutique inns or vineyard cabins, making Elkin a convenient base for exploring all the Yadkin Valley has to offer.
The town specifically sits along the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, with sections open for hiking and biking for a more active outing. Elkin Municipal Park provides additional well-maintained walking trails, picnic areas, and access to the Yadkin River, a popular local spot for fishing and kayaking.
Downtown Elkin houses a number of restored historic buildings, many of which now contain shops, restaurants, and community amenities like The Foothills Arts Center, a renowned venue among music fans that showcases local artists, while antique stores like Yadkin Valley Antiques attract collectors from across the country.
Washington
Set along the banks of the Pamlico River, the city of Washington is a delight for history fans, outdoor adventurers, and anyone simply looking to spend some time near the water. The Washington Waterfront Docks allow boaters to explore the river, while kayak and canoe rentals at Inner Banks Outfitters provide access to nearby estuaries. If you're more keen on simply exploring on foot, the Pamlico River Boardwalk stretches along downtown's edge, offering views of the harbor and frequent dolphin sightings, too!
Another natural area worth checking out is Goose Creek State Park, a large forested area on the river's edge just east of town. Here, camping, hiking, and a range of other activities in the great outdoors can be enjoyed this year in relative peace and quiet, especially when compared to busier state parks in North Carolina.
Appreciate the sights and sounds in the town’s historic district too, which contains numerous 18th- and 19th-century homes, including the Havens House, which houses the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum. Furthermore, the North Carolina Estuarium, a unique museum dedicated to the state’s many different estuaries, features interactive exhibits and boat tours. This museum is a fun place for the whole family to learn about the region's human and natural histories.
The Hackney is one of several highly rated eateries in Washington. Housed in a former bank, it serves modern Southern cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farms. Moreover, Wine and Words & Gourmet offers a selection of wines, books, and specialty foods, making it an ideal spot for people searching for something to take back home with them.
Brevard
Nestled in the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina is the city of Brevard, best known for its access to waterfalls, hiking trails, and a surprisingly fleshed-out arts scene.
Many see is as a simple gateway to Pisgah National Forest, where they can explore landmark like Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, But, the regoin is jam packed with other parklands that don't get nearly as much attention, like the DuPont State Recreational Forest, home to the jaw dropping Triple Falls and High Falls.
Downtown Brevard is home to The Brevard Music Center, which hosts concerts throughout the year, attracting classical and contemporary musicians. Other cool locales include the Transylvania Heritage Museum, a place that provides insight into the area’s history (in regard to Transylvania County, not the region in Romania), while the quirky White Squirrel Shoppe celebrates the town’s famous population of white squirrels.
Craft beer enthusiasts should also keep an eye on Brevard, as spots like Brevard Brewing Company or Ecusta Brewing serve up some of the region's best brews. Whether you're a beer fan or simply need something cold to drink after a day out in the mountains, either of these joints will be sure to satisfy you.
Edenton
Resting on the Albemarle Sound, the town of Edenton is one of North Carolina’s most historically significant places. Experience its storied past at landmarks like the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, which stands over the waterfront and is open for tours, while nearby Colonial Park provides you a place to sit and soak in the views in a relaxing bit of green space downtown.
Explore Edenton in different way, on the water, with a boat tour along Edenton Bay, a unique excursion that highlights the town’s connection to the ocean and offers a unique view of the town's quaint skyline.
Edenton played a key role in early American history beyond its waterfront, with sites like the Chowan County Courthouse, built in 1767 and still in use today, or the James Iredell House, home to a former U.S. Supreme Court justice. For another interesting tidbit, the Edenton Tea Party of 1774, an early protest against British rule, is commemorated at the Penelope Barker House, which now serves as Edenton's visitor center.
If you want to learn more about North Carolina outside of its big cities, definitely choose this destination for your next outing.
Sylva
Sylva sits in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains and serves as a base for exploring the region’s world-class scenery, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic byways. Just minutes from Pinnacle Park, where a challenging hike leads to unobstructed mountain views, this town is a must-visit for landscape photographers, outdoor adventurers, and any kind of sightseer in 2025.
The Tuckasegee River is another beautiful natural feature in the area, and is a hotspot for fly fishermen as well a a popular launching point for rafting excursions. And don't forget about the Blue Ridge Parkway, a route that easily provides one of the most scenic drives in the country.
In town, the Jackson County Courthouse, perched on a hill above Main Street, is one of the most photographed buildings in North Carolina and now houses a public library with exhibits on the town’s history. The American Museum of the House Cat, a quirky stop just south of Sylva featuring feline-related artifacts, adds a more unusual attraction for you to enjoy, while on the other hand, the Appalachian Women's Museum offers a grounded look at the lives of various women in this rugged and remote part of the state.
Between its incredible scenery and its small but unique downtown core, Sylva is easily one of the most well-rounded and laid-back places in North Carolina you can check out today.
Uncover these Gems in North Carolina
Whether you are looking to explore its vast and scenic wildernesses or want to find your new favorite food spot, there are an endless number of opportunities for adventure and discovery in North Carolina to uncover this year. From the coastal delights of Southport to the mountainous draws of Sylva and everything in between, we hope that this list can help you better develop your itinerary before embarking on a truly memorable trip in the Tar Heel State in 2025.
